Education is one of the main drivers of property sales in the UK, particularly in London, according to Barratt Developments, the largest residential property development company in the United Kingdom, which has seen an uptick in enquiries related to interest in properties located in the vicinity of some of London’s top educational facilities in the last year.
Data from the UK’s universities admissions service, UCAS, has revealed that Britain is one of the world’s leading destinations for international students, with many selecting London due to its status as a globally renowned academic hub. Furthermore, data from the admissions service has revealed that international undergraduate applicants will increase by 46% to 208,500 in 2026, with students from the UAE choosing to study in the UK rising by an incredible 247% since 2011.
Barratt London has revealed UAE investors are increasingly looking for properties close to universities and schools to act as a bolthole when visiting children attending education facilities
According to Stuart Leslie, International Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt London, enquiries about real estate, with education as one of the primary drivers for investing, are increasing year-on-year.
He said: “Around 40% of our Middle East enquiries are related to education. For many parents from the region looking to send their children to schools and universities in London, having a bolthole that allows them to visit their children more freely is a prerequisite. When not using it themselves, they can take advantage of the high yields attainable in the city and use it as a rental property, creating a win-win situation.”
In the last six months, 40% of enquiries were related to education
With so much excellent accommodation in London to choose from, starting from just £319,000 for an apartment in Eastman Village, buying in London can certainly make good financial sense.
Accommodation for university students in the capital starts from around £800 a month for a basic room, up to £2,000 a month for a studio apartment. At current mortgage rates, and with a 10% deposit, you could buy an apartment for your son or daughter and only be spending around £1,500 a month while enjoying all the benefits of an appreciating asset and an exciting base from which to explore one of the world’s most exciting cities.